The R AM dressed Bronson Carbon shares the same exact frame as that five-figure top-shelf'er, only it substitutes the 'go-fast bits' for more durable, yet equally capable, components from Fox, Race Face, Shimano, and WTB. And while those pieces contribute to a quality, grin-inducing ride, Santa Cruz's carbon expertise is the biggest contributing factor to that trait.

Leading the modern mountain bike movement, Santa Cruz's carbon development has rewritten standards for weight, integrity, and strength. Not surprisingly, this expertise is found throughout the Bronson's one-piece, continuous fiber, low-void front and rear triangles. And in addition to this, the Bronson also features structures and molds that're exclusive to its design. It's also important to point out that this isn't a carbon Blur LT with clown shoes on, nor is it a carbon Nomad that's received a bolt-on, 27.5-quick fix. Instead, the Bronson is a completely new chassis, and a quick review of its geometry is proof of that fact.

A 13.6-inch bottom bracket height sits between the Blur LT and Tallboy LT, while a 67 degree head tube angle complements its six-inches of wheel travel. Together, these attributes make it crystal clear that Santa Cruz destined this bike to please riders who use the whole trail. Adding to that lively nature are the Bronson's 17.3-inch long chainstays, which keep its rear tire tucked under you while still rolling with the authority of its 29er brethren -- minus the inherent clumsiness.

So, when you add up all of those numbers, and toss VPP suspension into the picture, it comes as no surprise that this is the chosen bike by the Syndicate for the 2013 Enduro World Series. And speaking of VPP, if you're unfamiliar with its merits we're going to jump right into that.

The VPP rear-suspension on the Bronson utilizes patented, counter-rotating shock links to allow for a variable feel throughout the suspension travel. When sag is set correctly, the Bronson is extremely responsive to small- and medium-sized bumps. For larger hits that push it deeper into its travel, it becomes more stubborn, a necessity to avoid harsh bottom-out. It's also a crisp, efficient pedaler, even in the small chainring. Another big plus of VPP suspension is its durability. In fact, Santa Cruz guarantees the pivot bearings for life. Rear motion is handled by a lightweight and custom-tuned FOX FLOAT CTD Adjust. Its three-position Climb, Trail, and Descend lever lets you select an appropriate amount of platform damping for the terrain that you're riding

The front end of the Bronson complements that shock with a 150mm travel FOX 34 FLOAT CTD O/C. This fork features an open cartridge damper for little to none aeration in order to provide a smooth and consistent ride quality. It's equipped with a 15mm through axle and a 142 x 12mm at the rear. The wheels are comprised of Shimano M678 hubs that have been laced to WTB ST i23 TCS tubeless rims, and they've been cased with Maxxis High Roller 2 EXO Tubeless Tires.

Turning the rear wheel is a Shimano Deore triple crankset, an SLX 11-36t cassette, and a 10-speed HG-74 chain. For gear selection, there's a SLX Shadow+ rear and a XT front derailleur that're controlled by Shimano SLX shifters. These shifters share handlebar real estate with Shimano Deore disc brake levers. The handlebar is a Race Face Ride which is supported by a Truvativ AKA stem, and the seatpost is a Race Face Ride, as well, with a WTB Volt Race perched atop of it. The Bronson has guides for a seat dropper and ISCG05 tabs in case you want to make future upgrades.

The Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon R AM Complete Mountain Bike is available in four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the colors Matte Carbon/orange/blue and Gloss Yellow/black/blue.

Here's what others have to say...

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Sunset riding in Park City

Comment on Joey W's photo:

im 5'4, and ive never sat on a 27.5 before....

im 5'4, and ive never sat on a 27.5 before. I've only ridden on 26" bikes. my biggest concern is the stand over height, which I will measure tonight. i believe i have a longer torso and shorter legs with trex arms... :( makes deadlifting tough.

Have an answer for useport80?

Dream frame to build on

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Only ridden a few times, all I can say is what a bike. The R AM build was at a price I couldn't refuse with scope for me to upgrade with component spec of my choice. I live in the UK and was lucky enough to be working in the USA when the Bronson went on sale. The price was less than half you would expect to pay in the UK :-) . But European customers should remember that in America you put the brakes on the other hand. I'm 5'7" and the MED. Frame is perfect for me. Great job Competitive Cyclist.

Its purdy

Comment on Joey W's photo:

27.5: All the cool kids are doing it

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I made the upgrade this year from a 26" Ibis HD, that I really enjoyed, to the 27.5 bronson which I am even happier with! I most definitely have noticed better rolling uphill on the climb but do not feel that the agility on the decent has been compromised. The CTD switch on the rear shock and fork is AMAZING. I have a hardtail when i lock it down, a trail rider when I'm on "T" , and almost a full on downhill bike when I drop it into descend. The one part that I wasnt stoked on were the brakes. These were not my favorite; not nearly as responsive and quick as some of the other brakes ive used. The tubeless rims are awesome and have been happy with the tires as well! Tennis ball yellow is definitely the way to go in terms of color. Way cooler than the halloween scheme on the black version. Get this bike if you are looking for a do-anything, all-mountain ripper and you will not be disappointed!

Comment on Joey W's review:

Can I order this bike with a 1x10 build?...

The Bronson R AM comes to us as a build from Sant Cruz, so the customization is limited. However, we we have the custom build option from the frame (Item # SNZ0350) up. There are nearly endless ways to customize the Bronson. We can do a SRAM 1x11, Shimano 1/2/3x10, choice of wheels/tires, etc. Send me an email (mdivall@backcountry.com) and I'd be more than happy to talk over build options with you.

Have an answer for Jason Welchert?

My new Bronson

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I am impressed not only with the bike but with backcountry.com. I had been looking for a carbon 27.5 for a while and finally decided to got with the Bronson/ Large. I received the bike within a few days and have already taking it for a spin. Love the travel of the 27.5. The bike looks amazing and feels great. So far I only have one con with this bike and it is with the seat post not being able to go all the way down. This is a concern because I am trying to figure out the best dropper post that will work for my height 6', and also being able to drop it low when I hit big drops .